Indian Hockey – everyone turns benevolent….suddenly!

One of the main news items in Indian press over the past week has been that of the Indian National Hockey team boycotting practice and threatening to boycott participation at the World Cup to be played from February 28th to March 13th in New Delhi. Twelve countries including Australia, Germany, Spain and Pakistan are taking part in the biggest tournament of Hockey. The reason? Here’s a sampling from the press:

- “We have decided to boycott the camp indefinitely till we are paid our money,” India captain Rajpal Singh was quoted as saying by the Press Trust Of India news agency.

- Indian Hockey players met Hockey India president A K Mattoo and some other officials in New Delhi, demanding payment of their dues and increased salaries.

- “Earlier we used to be paid after every tournament but it is not the case now. We have reminded the officials a few times but nothing has been done. We will now report to the camp only after we are paid.”

In essence, India’s hockey players have been demanding a fixed salary, something they do not receive, and a performance-related incentive for winning tournaments. The latest transgression on part of the Hockey India (HI), the governing body of Indian national hockey, was that players were not paid their match fee for the Champions Challenge Tournament in Argentina. India had won a bronze medal in the tournament, held in Argentina last month. Earlier they were paid money in advance. An attempt to broker peace with HI resulted in more indignation. The players were apparently offered a lump sum of Rs25,000 per year – no salaries other than this one-time annual payment! Do the math, thats a little over Rs 2,000 per month from Hockey India. I have domestic help looking after my kids at home and she gets 3 times that!! Need I say more?

Players’ agitation coupled with backing from the media, a resolution of sorts seem to have been reached. Suresh Kalmadi along with ace hockey star of the past, Dhanraj Pillay have brokered peace and players have gone back to practice. Funds have started pouring in now:

• Sahara, the official team sponsor, has announced 1 crore to be given directly to the players. They have asked for audits of disbursal of this month to make sure that it reaches the players and doesn’t get lost in Hockey India’s administrative expenses
• The Indian cricket team has announced 1 crore for the Indian hockey team
• Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Mayawati has offered 5 crore to Indian hockey team
• Bajaj Allianz has offered 2 crore for hockey team

I am sure over the next few days more funds will pour in. Some will do it out of the goodness of their hearts, some to support the sport but most, IMO, will do it to get mileage out of this – whether political or corporate one-upmanship. But will this solve the problem? This is like lipo-suction to get rid of fat – what Indian Hockey needs is a regular workout to keep itself fit. Hockey India needs a compensation structure in place to duly reward men representing their country – they shouldn’t have to protest to get their wages!! Apart from wages, they should be given performance bonuses and other state-wide recognition for their performances.

I am no great follower of hockey, but I find it disgusting that people representing their country have to protest to get wages! Many people have taken this opportunity to bash Indian cricket – I find that equally offensive. This is not about taking from cricket and giving it to hockey. Its about instituting a culture where people can seriously consider a career in sports. People shouldn’t have to think or choose the sport that will make them more money. Money should be part of every sport. Otherwise we will always be a country where sporting achievements are few and far in between.

Only when you’re not worried about the future, can you focus on the present with undiluted attention. Fear of failure is a hindrance to success. Results, medals, championships will follow. And yes, money shouldn’t follow – there should be money to start with!! What will follow is more money:)

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